Things Fall Apart (Original Edition) Paperback -
by Chinua Achebe
About this book
In his debut novel, Chinua Achebe challenges our written perspective of history and portrays the devastating influence of colonization in late 19th century Nigeria. Things Fall Apart explores one man's futile resistance to the devaluing of his Igbo traditions by British political and religious forces and his despair as his community capitulates to the powerful new order. The story follows Okonkwo, a man known for his fierce heart and physical strength, as he navigates his personal demons and his ability to protect those that he loves during the upcoming face of destruction. It is a conflict of both his personal identity as a traditionally masculine protector, as well as the desperate struggle to retain freedom.
Things Fall Apart has been translated in over 60 different languages, remaining a powerful influence to individuals worldwide and one of the first African novels written in English to receive global critical acclaim. The title of the novel comes from William Butler Yeats' poem "The Second Coming".
Reader reviews for Things Fall Apart (Original Edition)
Review summary
Readers largely regard Chinua Achebe’s novel as a landmark of modern African literature—valued for its vivid, nuanced portrait of Igbo life and its unsparing depiction of colonial incursion. Many praised the clear, economical prose, the cultural detail (proverbs, rituals, gender roles), and the chilling final shift in perspective that indicts imperial narratives. The protagonist, Okonkwo, was widely seen as abusive and hard to like, yet tragically compelling as a symbol of a culture under siege. Some readers found the pacing episodic or slow in the early chapters and questioned the plot’s momentum, while a minority felt emotionally distanced. Overall, the book was deemed important and thought?provoking, with its historical and moral force outweighing stylistic quibbles.
Readers say this book is:
PowerfulNuancedUnflinchingThought-provokingDevastating endingCulturally richSlow-burnPolarizing protagonistTimelyClassicWrite a review for this book
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From the publisher
First edition identification
William Heinemann Ltd., published a First UK Edition, First Printing hardcover in 1958, London. The edition is bound by red cloth boards and gilt lettering on the spine.
Astor-Honor/Obolensky published a First US Edition, First Printing in 1959, New York. This particular edition has a dust jacket designed by Ronald Clyne.
William Heinemann Ltd., published a First UK Edition, Second Impression hardcover in 1962, London. The edition is characterized by its orange cloth boards, and gilt lettering on the spine. The original dust jacket was designed with C. W. Bacon, and the illustrations were created by Dennis Carabine.
Details
- Title Things Fall Apart (Original Edition)
- Author Chinua Achebe
- Binding Paperback
- Edition [ Edition: Repri
- Pages 76
- Volumes 1
- Language ENG
- Publisher Important Books
- Publication date 11/26/20
- ISBN 9788087888476 / 8087888472
- Weight 0.34 lbs (0.15 kg)
- Dimensions 9.69 x 7.44 x 0.16 in (24.61 x 18.90 x 0.41 cm)
- Category Literature - Classics / Criticism
- Dewey Decimal Code 823
More Copies for Sale
Things Fall Apart (Original Edition) (Stellar Classics)
by Achebe, Chinua
- Used
- Very good
- Paperback
- Condition
- Very good
- Binding
- Paperback
- ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
- 9788087888476 / 8087888472
- Quantity available
- 3
- Seller
- Item price
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A$38.19A$16.37 Delivery to USA
Show details
Things Fall Apart (original edition)
by Achebe, Chinua
- Used
- Condition
- Used
- ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
- 9788087888476 / 8087888472
- Quantity available
- 2
- Seller
- Item price
-
A$43.53Free Delivery to USA
